The Reservoir Distillery Virginia Heritage Grain Project was named the grand winner of the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States’ (DISCUS) Innovation Showcase competition during the awards presentation at the 2025 DISCUS annual conference in Washington, D.C.

The Virginia Heritage Grain Project studied some of our country’s oldest grains used in the spirits industry aiming to answer the question: Are these landmark historical flavors just waiting to be rediscovered, and are they worthy of being unearthed? 

During the awards ceremony, Shelley Sackier, director of distillery education with Reservoir Distillery, provided a short presentation demonstrating the winning Virginia Heritage Grain Project to attendees. Sackier stated that through the project, they hope to bring value to a wide swath of individuals and industries who are trying to be diligent stewards of the land and history, and ultimately, the future. As part of the project, Reservoir Distillery is working to create a growing database that will connect farmers and distillers to strengthen local bonds and relationships.

Modern Cooperage took second place for its unique stainless-steel barrels that bring traditional barrel-aging techniques for whiskey, bourbon, rum and other spirits to the current era. Their patented barrel provides distilleries with a modern solution that overcomes many of the drawbacks and limitations of traditional oak barrels without sacrificing any of the qualities that made oak barrels the industry mainstay. 

Distillers can take control of oak integration, evaporation, temperature, micro-oxygenation, pressurization, agitation and more, and can insert up to 20 staves with a total per-barrel rate of 5– 150% new oak equivalent depending on the number of staves used and their thickness. The Modern Cooperage barrel allows a tremendous amount of control for the distiller that is unparalleled in the industry.

Third place was awarded to Dapper Barons low-sugar liqueurs and zero-sugar cocktails. Dapper Barons set out to address the need for low-sugar liqueurs so people can enjoy craft cocktails the way they were meant to taste, but without the high sugar content. Dapper Barons’ liqueurs are the first to offer a near-sugar-free profile — 90% less than traditional liqueurs — letting consumers enjoy all the flavor without all the sugar.

“We are thrilled to honor the 2025 winners of the Innovation Showcase for their groundbreaking innovations, cutting-edge technology and commitment to sustainability,” DISCUS President and CEO Chris Swonger said in a news release. “We are always amazed at the creative ways companies continue to push our industry forward and create meaningful change.”

This year, nine finalists were selected from 36 submissions to compete in the Innovation Showcase sponsored by DISCUS partner member, The Spearhead Group. Innovation categories spanned spirits packaging, technology, supply chain, sustainability, marketing, structure, responsibility and product development. In addition to the three winners, the finalists included The Bar Book, Crafted Pour App, Central Standard/Leinenkugel’s Canned Cocktails, Clubby Cocktails, Nuvo Sparkling Liqueur and SACRED Mijenta Tequila.

The showcase was held virtually before the conference where each finalist had 10 minutes to present their innovation in front of a panel of judges who scored the innovation based on its concept, value, scalability, demonstrated impact, originality, feasibility, market potential and sustainability.

The judges were Brian Christensen, publisher and brand consultant at Artisan Spirit Magazine; Kathy Sucich, vice president of marketing at Dimensional Insight; Blair Woodall, strategic advisor and business development consultant; and David Wojnar, senior vice president of industry affairs at Provi.

The first, second and third place winners received prize packages ranging in value from $5,000 to $20,000 including a $10,000 cash prize for the showcase winner.

“Each year, the Innovation Showcase ignites a fresh wave of inspiration for distillers and entrepreneurs across the spirits sector,” Spearhead Group CEO Heather Fritzsche, who presented the awards at the conference, said. “It is an honor to acknowledge the dedicated individuals and companies that fuel innovation and transform our industry.”

Congratulations to Reservoir Distillery’s Virginia Heritage Grain Project for winning the #DISCUSconf25 Innovation Showcase, sponsored by @Spearhead_PBE. This year's competitors presented cutting-edge technologies that will advance the spirits sector.

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— Distilled Spirits Council of the United States (@DistilledSpirit) March 27, 2025

Read more: DISCUS: Spirits Industry Holds Steady in Market Share

About DISCUS

The Distilled Spirits Council of the United States is the leading voice for distilled spirits in the U.S., advocating on legislative, regulatory and public affairs issues impacting the distilled spirits sector at the local, state, federal and international levels. DISCUS members are committed to responsibility and encourage adults who drink to do so in moderation.